Author note: My sister is making me write this…so, I must obey…well, actually, I love to write this story so…I'll shut up now…

The next morning I woke to somebody shaking me awake.

"Go away," I groaned, pushing them away.

"I guess youse don't want ta start yer lessons, den," Spot said, turning around to walk away. I immediately jolted out of bed, still wearing the clothes from last night. Spot laughed and left the room so I could get changed. I washed up and did whatever else it was that I did.

I skipped downstairs, and turned around the corner and ran straight into somebody, and I stumbled a bit. I looked up at Skip and glared fiercely.

"Mornin, sweet face," he said, trying to act cute. I rolled my eyes and pushed him out of my way, entering the main room.

"Hey, watch it. I was bein nice!" Skip snapped. I turned around to say something smart, but Spot clasped his hand over my mouth, so whatever it was that I said came out as a muffled sound.

"Shut up, Sage," Spot whispered in my ear. "We's have work ta do." He then pushed me towards the front door.

"Are we going to the docks?" I said, turning towards him. He fumbled with something in his pocket and came up with some change.

"No," he said. "We's is sellin papes first." He gently pushed me aside and opened the door.

"Ladies first." I scowled and walked out of the door, Spot following.

"I thought we were training again."

"We are, but first I hafta sell me papes."

"So why bring me?" I asked.

"I didn't wanna go all the way back to tha Lodging House, so I'm bringin youse with me."

We walked slowly to the distribution center, an awkward silence testing the both of us.

"So," Spot broke the silence. "How is youse an' Art?" I shrugged,

"He's a nice guy." Spot chuckled,

"Youse like 'em?"

"Maybe," I said.

"Youse either like 'em or youse don't."

"Why did you let Skip become a newsy?"

"What? That has nothin ta do with what I'm talking 'bout!" Spot said, rolling his eyes.

"I know," I said. "I just don't want to answer your question." I glanced down at the key around his neck, reminding him about the day he wouldn't tell me why he kept it. Spot sighed,

"Youse is complicated." I smiled,

"I know."

"Stubborn too." I laughed and walked ahead, taking in the beautiful scenery of Brooklyn that I never got to see. We soon made it to the distribution center, and Spot walked up on the narrow ramp.

I stood by the gate and observed the place. There were old newspapers lying in the dirt. Spot kept a watchful eye on me, making sure I didn't wander off. Some Brooklyn boys in fancy uniforms walked by, whispering to each other. They weren't newsies, because they were carrying books in their hands.

I watched them walk by me, smiling. I smiled back, and waved. They stopped and began to walk towards me.

"Hey," one said. He looked to be my age.

"Hi," I replied, shaking his hand.

"I'm Kendal. What's your name?"

"Sage," I replied. Kendal had sandy brown hair that was combed down to perfection. His eyes were a dark, deep brown.

Kendal opened his mouth to say something, but Spot appeared behind me and glared intensely at the group of boys. They began to walk backwards, looking frightened by Spot. Actually, Spot didn't frightening at all. If they thought that glare was scary, then they should see him when he's really pissed.

I actually thought it was kind of funny.

"Get lost," Spot said, in a voice calmer than usual. The boys glanced nervously at each other; they probably knew about Spot and his reputation.

"Shut up, Spot," I said, glancing back at him. The boys looked surprised at what I had said, but looked a bit calmer. They must've thought I controlled Spot or something. Wouldn't that be something?

"What?" Spot asked, his voice getting a little irritated.

"Oh hush and go sell your papers!" I said, smiling up at him. Spot chuckled and shook his head.

"Youse is killin me Matthews, youse really are. Youse are jus' so odd." I laughed.

"Thanks." The boys seemed to be a bit more relaxed, but were ready to run if Spot decided to chase them down the street. That would be a sight.

"Kendal, this is my friend Spot. Spot, this is Kendal." Spot glared over at Kendal. I elbowed him, and his glare turned to me.

"H-hi," Kendal stuttered, holding his hand out to Spot. Spot merely pushed it away.

"C'mon, Sage. We's have work ta do." I sighed in frustration as Spot dragged me away from the boys.

"Bye!" I called out. The boys waved and continued on their way, looking frightened, yet proud to meet the legendary leader of Brooklyn.

"Makin new friends?" Spot asked, holding up a newspaper and yelling out a ridiculous headline.

"Yeah, there's nothing wrong with that," I said, watching a man walk up to Spot and buy the paper.

"I guess not," Spot said. He called out another "headline" and kept on walking. I followed beside him, watching people buy the papers; believing every word Spot was saying.

"I'll buy a pape if I get a few minutes alone with the girl," came a man's voice. I looked up at him. He was wearing something kind of…odd, and his bowler hat was too big for his head. I glanced over at Spot who seemed to be…thinking this over?

"Deal," he finally said. The man chuckled and grabbed my arm forcefully.

"Hey!" I shouted, trying to pull my arm from his grasp. I was appalled. Spot actually gave me up for a stinking paper? The man handed Spot the penny and took the paper, dragging me towards an alleyway. I fought back, of course, but that didn't do any good.

I was pulled into the alleyway and thrown against the wall. The man pressed his body to mine and I could smell alcohol on his breath.

"Stop!" I screamed, trying to push him away. He only laughed and kissed my face. I instantly kneed him, and he let out a painful scream. He fell to the ground, and I began to kick him forcefully.

"Stupid man!" I said, sending a few more kicks until he grabbed my ankle. I kicked his hand away, and stepped back. He, somehow, got to his feet and ran at me. Spot suddenly appeared in front of me.

"Youse know, I change my mind." He sent a blow to the man's stomach and gave him a few punches, knocking him out. Spot then turned to me and chuckled, an amused look on his face. I pushed him out of my way and stormed off.

"It was a test," Spot said, jogging up beside me.

"A test for what? Suicide?" Spot laughed and shook his head.

"Ta see what I need ta teach youse. Youse didn't actually think I was goin ta let 'em hoit youse did ya?"

"Yeah, I did!" I screamed. I was actually inches away from slapping him, but that would only cause chaos.

"C'mon, lemme finish sellin and den we can goes to da docks and practice." I crossed my arms over my chest and looked away.

"Fine."

It didn't take too long for Spot tell sell the rest of his papes, and we soon headed off for the docks. Spot made everyone leave, and threatened them.

"Youse ready?" he asked. I glanced around a shrugged.

"Sure." He then started off by making me block his punches. I already knew this stuff, but he said: "Practice makes poifect."

After awhile of going over what he did last time, he started showing me a few other tricks. Spot had his suspenders hanging at his sides, and his hat was shoved in his back pocket.

I sent him a few punches, and he blocked his like it was nothing. I didn't have a problem with using my force anymore, so I was pretty sure Spot and I were going to have bruises afterwards.

Without either of us knowing, I was at the edge of the dock and inches away from falling into the river. Spot sent me a punch, and I held up my arm to block it. When his fist hit my arm, I stumbled back, and to my surprise there was no floor under my foot and I went flying backwards into the dark, dreadful river.

I felt the impact of the water on my back and didn't have anytime to gasp for air before I went under; leaving me with no way to survive.

Audience P.O.V

Spot was shocked when Sage went flying backwards into the river. He didn't even know they were that close to the edge. His legs were frozen still, and he didn't know what the hell to do.

Reality then struck him: Sage can't swim! His legs "magically" unfroze and he jumped into the river. He searched around for Sage, and finally found her sinking to the bottom. He reached out and grabbed her hand, and swam to the surface. Sage wasn't breathing, so he brought her back up to the docks and laid her down on her back.

He stared down at her, expecting for a miracle to happen. Dammit! What do I do? Wait, what was dat thing one of da Manhattan newsies did ta save some goil's life once… Spot's eyes went wide as the image of the newsy pressing his lips to the girl's, and blowing into her mouth, and pressed down onto her stomach.

He blinked down at Sage's body, and couldn't just let her die. He hesitantly put his lips to hers, and blew air into her mouth. He pressed down on her stomach, and then brought his lips to hers again. Sage's eyes fluttered open and she began to cough up water.

She brought her hand to her chest and leaned over to spit out the remaining water. Spot sighed with relief.

Normal P.O.V

I looked over at Spot as I tried to catch my breath. Did he just give me mouth to mouth? He stood to his feet and held his hand out to mine.

Without protest I let him help me up.

"Are youse okay?" he asked, letting me lean against him for support.

"Yeah," I breathed.

"Good…"

"Thanks," I told him, looking up at him. He nodded.

"Yer welcome…" Spot's suddenly grew wide, and he instantly ran over to where his hat lay.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"My cane!" he said. "It's gone!" Spot and I quickly made our way back to the Lodging House.

"Are you sure you brought it with us?" I asked, trying to keep up with him.

"Positive!" he said.

"Alright, alright. You go search wherever; I'll go search the boy's room." Spot nodded and sprinted off in a different direction as I made my way to the boy's bunk room.

I opened the door and began to search around the area, and I soon came upon Spot's bed. Something was sticking out from in between his mattress. I pushed my hair out of my face and pulled out the piece of paper. I opened it up and gasped…

It was the picture I drew a few nights ago…

Next chapter: Who was the thief that stole Spot's cane? Well, nobody knows so Spot is going over to Manhattan, and won't let Sage accompany him.

While Spot is away, what's going to happen with Skip left alone with the newsies? Trying to take Spot's place as a leader and a friend, Skip pushes his way to Sage's heart…and what's this…He's proposing?

What will the Brooklyn Leader think of this?

Author note: Yes, I know the "proposing" thing sounds ridiculous, but it's supposed to. I have a reason for this, actually, and you shall find out why soon enough. Until next time: LOVE & PEACE!